Ferdella E. Gmach

1928 - 2014

Ferdella Elizabeth Gmach, 86, of Rogers passed away peacefully on Friday, April 25th, 2014. She was born in Rogers, MN on February 1st, 1928, to the late Lester and Alvina (Zahler) Rouillard. Ferdella graduated from Elk River High School in 1945 and married Jerome Gmach on June 14th, 1949. Ferdella was a beloved and active member of the Rogers community her entire life. She was a lifetime member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary as well an active member of Christian Mother's Club. Ferdella's entrepreneurial passion shined in a thriving contract painting business where she worked with her sisters and some close friends. Ferdella worked for and ultimately retired from the US Postal Service. Ferdella is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Jerome; two sisters; Rose Marie Milless and Carmen Hawkins both of Rogers; four children; Ginny Carlson of Minneapolis; Cindy Kopetka (Frank) of Rogers; Lisa Maloney of Minnetonka and Jaime Gmach of Minneapolis. She is also survived by three grandchildren; Nina Kopetka, Nate Kopetka and J.P. Maloney and two great grandchildren. A visitation will be held at Dare's Funeral Home in Elk River from 5 PM to 8 PM on Tuesday, April 29th. The funeral will take place at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 30th at Mary Queen of Peace in Rogers preceded by a visitation at 10 AM and followed immediately by burial at St. Martin Cemetery. A very special thanks to the caregivers at The Diamondcrest at Wellstead and North Memorial Hospice. The kindness and loving care that you bestowed upon Ferdella provided her greater peace and comfort while under your watchful eye.